First Google Glass unboxing and hands-on videos already out, user guide also available

Google Glass is now in the hands of the first Explorers and the first unboxing videos have started to hit YouTube. At the same time, Google has made available the user guide for Google Glass that will get you through the product’s features.

As you’ll see in the following videos, Google Glass comes in “Nexus-like” neat packaging, filled with various accessories in addition to the actual Glass. We’re looking at microUSB cable and charger, a sturdy carrying pouch, extra nose pads and attachable lens for Glass, both shade and clear lenses.

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Dan McLaughlin says he was able to actually get the first Glass released to the public. In his video (below) he shows us everything there is to know about the Google Glass package and takes Glass for a quick hands-on spin.

From the moment you open the box, you’ll get the first details on Glass, from the “let’s get started” info found on the inside of the box to the simple layout description that’s printed on the enclosure that holds Glass into place inside the box. Only a few words are printed on that board, enough to explain how Glass works. Everything seems to be pretty intuitive, no matter whether you’ve been following the evolution of Glass for a while or you’re hearing about it for the first time: “Listen” (bone conduction hearing system), “On/Off” (on/off switch), “Touch” (touchpad), “Capture” (camera button) and “See” (display).

While McLaughlin got the Google Glass Explorer edition, he mentioned that it’s not a numbered edition, meaning these early Glass units aren’t marked to show it’s a special edition. However, the Glass does come with a Glass logo on the inside of the earpiece, and the box is marked “XE” which stands for Explorer Edition (see the image above provided by another early Glass user, Brandon Allgood).

McLaughlin also reveals that the bone conduction system is louder than he would have anticipated considering his previous experience with earlier Glass versions, and shared the first tips for taking pictures: press the camera button to take pictures, and hold it for a few seconds to record video. Of course you can do that by voice too once you configure your Glass. Also worth noting is that the Glass piece is actually adjustable and you can place it in the right position to accommodate your eye.

Image Credit: +Brandon Allgood

The Glass can apparently be removed from the frame and mounted on a pair of glasses, in case you’re interested in tinkering with the gadget.

The quality of the video may not be that great, but it certainly gets the job done. If you want more hands-on time with Glass, you can check the following video, a hands-on preview coming (unsurprisingly) for Vietnamese site Tinhte, which happens to have pretty early access to a variety of mobile devices. Unfortunately the video is in Vietnamese, so you only get to enjoy watching the product in case you can’t understand the language.

In case that’s not enough, here’s a first video that’s actually recorded with Glass during Go Kart racing, and a clear hint we’re going to see plenty of first-person videos shot with Glass in the future.

Finally, you can check out Google’s user guide (see links below) that will show you how to perform different actions with Google Glass. In case you want to know more about Glass, check out our previous coverage on hardware specifications, the Mirror API for developers and the MyGlass Android companion app that brings new features to Glass owners including SMS and navigation support.